The Introduction -

I never grew up dreaming of being a 36 year old waitress/server. But here I am - 36 & waiting tables. I waited tables in my very early 20's - still young enough not to really care. Now it isn't about making money to buy beer for tonight or this weekend like a lot of my co-workers - it is about helping take care of my family. I am a mother of 5 children - my husband is a new construction plumber - & me a waitress.

Although I sometimes hate admitting that - it is that ego thing that gets in the way at times - I actually love my job.

1) It keeps me young & somewhat in shape
2) I may be 36 but I am 22 at heart
3) I love people
4) I can be who I want to be & that can change with every table as I see fit!

Sure the hours can sometimes really suck - as I said I have 5 kids. They are in school during the day - but the best money is made in the evening hours & on the weekends while they are home. And not every table is a 'joy' to be involved with - whether it be my table or my neighboring sections table - there are just some tables you don't want to be involved in. While others are very enjoyable - or without meaning to very humorous.

Being a server is not for everyone. There is NO WAY my husband could wait on a table - not one - he would be fired before he had their drinks on the table. But for some it is just something they do well. I happen to be that person. I can BS my way through ANY conversation - I am sure there are times I think I sound like I know what I am talking about but my table is really laughing at me - but I am ok with that. I try to make every person at every table I walk up to smile - sometimes this is IMPOSSIBLE!

I have many hobbies - sewing, painting, woodworking, hunting, fishing - etc. This makes for a lot of 'ways in' with my tables - & of course the 5 kid thing. I look a little younger than my age I guess - because I often get - NO WAY are you old enough to have 5 kids - AND - you look great for having 5 kids - Well you should know I use to weigh over 200 lbs - I lost the weight & waiting tables actually helps me keep it off.

So I am good at rambling - as I have started to do here - this blog is going to be stories about my experiences as a server. The good, the bad, THE FUNNY & the ugly. I hope that fellow servers can learn from me - as well as get satisfaction in knowing they are not the only ones dealing with such chaos - AND I hope that OUR GUEST can learn a little bit about our jobs so they understand the importance of cash tips vs verbal tips!

And so it goes -